Awesome Independent Stores In Melbourne Australia

Melbourne is known as the shopping capital of Australia, which means it’s home to many independent boutiques; focusing on books, souvenirs, jewellery and clothing. From charming boutiques that celebrate local craftsmanship to innovative concept stores that push boundaries, Melbourne’s independent stores are a testament to creativity, passion, and individuality. Here are the best independent stores to visit when in town.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Third Drawer Down

Third Drawer Down is a design studio, wholesaler and store. Its flagship shop in Fitzroy acts as their interpretation of a traditional museum or gallery store. Stocking products from Melbourne, Australia and worldwide, the team at Third Drawer Down are dedicated to finding unique objects. This includes homewares, limited-edition tea towels, accessories, books and novelty products. Since 2003, Third Drawer Down has collaborated with more than 200 international artists. Stop by to find a gift for the person who has it all.

Perfect Splash

Perfect Splash is an independent boutique owned by sisters, Annabelle and Alana. The duo specialise in locally made products, such as clothing, ceramics, jewellery, candles, publications, and local band tapes and records. A lot of the clothing pieces stocked at Perfect Splash are made in very small runs as well. The sisters also prefer clothing made from natural fibres and upcycled materials, like pieces from their own clothing line, Paradise Structures.

The Paperback Bookshop

The Paperback Bookshop first opened on Bourke Street in the 1960s. It stocks a variety of titles from Australia and around the world, which include fiction, travel, non-fiction, music, philosophy and current affairs books. It also has cards, wrapping paper and journals in store, such as the New York Review of Books and The Monthly. The Paperback Bookshop is open late and is next door to Pellegrini’s, which is known for its coffee and pasta.

Madam Virtue & Co

Madam Virtue & Co is an independent shop with a difference. The luxury consignment store specialises in buying and selling pre-loved designer clothing and accessories. Some of the pieces available at Madam Virtue & Co include Louis Vuitton handbags, Christian Dior necklaces, and Chanel and Prada clothing. If you love high-end vintage, head to Madam Virtue & Co.

Design A Space

Design A Space was established in 2006, as a retail space where independent Australian designers could showcase their wares in an artistic shopping environment. Design A Space supports over 100 designers, which rotate monthly and focus on men, women and children’s clothing and accessories. Many designers choose to display limited edition pieces not available anywhere else either. Design A Space is committed to providing Melbourne locals with the best offerings in Australian independent fashion at its three locations.

Vintage Sole

Vintage Sole has been selling premium retro wares to locals for over 10 years. It has three locations in Melbourne’s three main independent shopping suburbs: the CBD, Fitzroy and Windsor. It has an extensive collection of seasonally-appropriate fashion, footwear and accessories from the 1950s to 1990s. So if you’re looking for cowboy boots, flares from the 1970s or the perfect 1960s vintage dress, visit Vintage Sole.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.